U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA Jobs with Remote, Part-Time or Freelance Work

Check out great remote, part-time, freelance, and other flexible jobs with U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA! Here's an introduction to U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA as an employer:

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA is a federal agency that sets guidelines and standards for agriculture, food, natural resources, and related food science and management issues. Established by Abraham Lincoln as the "people's department," the U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA has its roots in the nation's early, agrarian-based culture.

Since its founding in 1862, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has set national guidelines for food safety and nutrition, animal health, farming and agriculture, rural and community development, and other issues related to protecting natural resources and promoting agricultural trade. The U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA operates on an annual budget of more than $130 billion and is comprised of nearly 30 agencies and offices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA oversees agencies such as the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the U.S. Forest Service (FS), Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), and Economic Research Services (ERS).

A global organization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has more than 100,000 employees who work across more than 4,000 locations across the United States and abroad. As an employer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has offered full-time and remote job opportunities in the past. Check out the USDA's flexible work initiatives here or explore FlexJobs' government and politics job category to find more companies offering flexible jobs in this field!

Company Divisions

The chief scientific in-house research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Service - ARS works to find solutions to agricultural problems that impact Americans on a daily basis. The scope of its organization includes nearly 700 research programs among more than a dozen national programs and an annual fiscal budget of approximately $1.1 billion. The agency's scientists and post-doctoral professionals work in collaboration with roughly 6,000 employees to conduct research over 90 locations, including labs overseas.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Agricultural Research Service offers employment for both temporary and permanent roles. Relevant to its mission, the agency's career opportunities often revolve around life, physical, and engineering sciences. In the past, ARS jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting and full-time, temporary opportunities for applicants dispersed throughout the country. Prior vacancies have been available to candidates in various states, such as Oklahoma, California, Maryland, Illinois, and the nation's capital. ARS invites intelligent, creative, and energetic applicants eager to solve 21st-century challenges in the interest of the nation.

Through the research conducted by the Agricultural Research Service, the organization develops solutions that are considered high national priorities. The agency's mission is to guarantee high-quality, safe food and other agricultural products; evaluate nutritional needs; support and maintain the strength of a competitive agricultural economy; augment natural resource bases; and provide the infrastructure and Americans with economic opportunities, including a diversified workplace.

The U.S. Forest Service is the USDA's government agency tasked with protecting and maintaining 193 million acres of forests and grasslands throughout the country, which encompasses nearly 200 national forests and grasslands across 43 states and Puerto Rico. Based in Washington, DC, the U.S. Forest Service's duties include research and development, fire and aviation information, educational materials, state and private forestry information, legislative and policy actions, and information about recreational activities. Additionally, the agency manages a Forest Service Nursery in each state, which provides locally-sourced seedlings to private landowners to promote local forestry initiatives.

With a mission to support the health, productivity, and diversity of U.S. forests and grasslands, the U.S. Forest Service's motto is "caring for the land serving people," which encapsulates its mission. The U.S. Forest Service's guiding principles include an ecological approach to the management of its protected land, sound decision-making based on scientific knowledge, being good neighbors and respecting private property, excellence, fairness, forming partnerships to achieve shared goals, promoting grassroots participation, trusting one another to share leadership, fostering a multicultural organization, maintaining a high level of ethical standards, being held responsible and accountable for its actions, accepting that conflict is natural and dealing with it professionally, and adhering to U.S. laws and regulations.

As an employer, the U.S. Forest Service fosters a diverse, multicultural, and nurturing environment in which leadership is shared. Employees feel accepted, appreciated, and respected for their unique contributions and conduct work that is rewarding, challenging, and interesting. Team members and partners alike share the accountability and responsibility of maintaining excellence and the agency seeks applicants that "the American people can count on." In the past, flexible employment offered by the U.S. Forest Service has featured full-time, temporary, flexible-schedule, and telecommuting opportunities.

Founded in 1862 following Abraham Lincoln's establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food Safety and Inspection Service - FSIS is a government administration and federal public health agency that works to ensure that meat, egg products, and poultry sold in the nation's commercial markets are safe. Headquartered in Washington, DC, FSIS is a division of the USDA that guarantees that the nation's food is "safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged."

Today, employees of the Food Safety and Inspection Service work to discover emerging pathogens, detect hazards in the food supply, and prevent foodborne illnesses. A public health organization, educating consumers on safe food handling and storage practices is a major component of the agency's mission. FSIS also publishes information for public consumption, which often revolves around popular or trending topics related to public health. Moreover, the Food Safety and Inspection Service oversees at-risk populations, seasonal food safety, emergency preparedness, appliances and thermometers used for cooking and preparing food, production, and inspection.

As an employer, the Food Safety and Inspection Service employee network is comprised of nearly 10,000 personnel. Team members utilize the Public Health Information System to make sure that existing requirements are met and to anticipate and tackle public health issues and trends that may arise in the future. The agency consists of professionals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets that work in a variety of fields, such as policy development, consumer safety, veterinary science, investigation, microbiology, chemistry, epidemiology, communication, information technology, and administration, among others. In the past, Food Safety and Inspection Service jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting opportunities.

Based in Washington, DC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development - RD agency provides a wide range of programs, services, and assistance designed to encourage economic prosperity and increase the quality of life in rural American communities. RD was established in 1994 to administer non-farm financial assistance to programs that support the agency's critical services and public facilities.

Rural Development is comprised of three agencies: Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Housing Service. Within these sectors are programs and services targeted at businesses, communities, nonprofit organizations, individuals, lenders, tribes, utilities, and developers. In the fiscal year 2013, Rural Development administered $38 billion in grants, loans, and loan guarantees to various entities, including health clinics, water and sewer systems, emergency service facilities, electric and telephone service systems, and housing providers. Today, the USDA agency's current portfolio of loans totals more than $220 billion. Rural Development also publishes a host of reports, educational materials, and publications, such as Rural Cooperatives magazine, most of which are primarily authored by USDA staff as well as university partners and various cooperative specialists.

As an employer, Rural Development conducts its hiring through its parent organization, USDA, and shares its commitment to equal opportunity, including efforts to hire veterans. In the past, RD jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting opportunities with flexible working arrangements that enable professionals to work from the comfort of their homes. As indicated per post, positions that may require travel are supported with various travel benefits and services, including exemptions, per diem, and discounts.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service - NRCS is a federal agency that works in partnership with ranchers, farmers, forest landowners, local and state agencies, and other entities to conserve water, soil, air, and other natural resources. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NRCS is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that was established by Congress in 1935. Organized in the wake of the Dust Bowl, when extreme drought and dust storms ravaged vast areas of the Great Plains in the 1930s, the Natural Resources Conservation Service initially undertook a series of demonstration projects designed to showcase the benefits of conversation.

Today, the Natural Resources Conservation Service holds true to its founding belief that wasting natural resources "is a menace to the national welfare." The agency continues to pursue its mission to help American landowners and managers conserve precious resources, offering voluntary programs with science-based solutions that are mutually beneficial for landowners and the environment. Ranchers, farmers, and landowners can also consult NRCS for financial assistance designated for land improvement through its programs and grants for large and small-scale farms, landscape conservation, and drought resources. The Natural Resources Conservation Service also tackles current issues, such as climate change, wildlife biology, agronomy, and the quality of life in watershed regions of the nation.

As an employer, the Natural Resources Conservation Service seeks professionals "who are committed to action." Ideal applicants want to apply their experience to ensure the benefits of fertile soil, clean air, clean water, and ample wildlife in a healthy environment. Career opportunities are typically offered in two areas: conservation and natural resources, including support roles. In the past, NRCS jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting opportunities.

Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside of the nation's capital, the Food and Nutrition Service - FNS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services division. The agency works in unison with the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). Originally founded in 1969, many of the food programs managed by FNS began in the 1930s, including the Food Stamp Plan. Food and Nutrition Service maintains regional offices in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain Plains, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Western regions of the United States.

Food and Nutrition Service works in partnership with every U.S. state to provide food assistance programs and comprehensive education efforts for low-income families and children. FNS is dedicated to decreasing food insecurity, encouraging healthy eating habits, and increasing access to nutritious foods for Americans in need. The agency administers 15 federal nutrition assistance programs, including programs for schools; Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Food and Nutrition Service's accomplishments include increased access to nutritious and safe food, a reduction in the number of households with children that experience food insecurity, school partnerships that implement national food standards, the promotion of healthy diets and active lifestyles, and a decrease in improper payments for its largest program, SNAP.

As an employer, the Food and Nutrition Service's hiring paths include opportunities for the public, federal employees, veterans, individuals with disabilities, family members of overseas employees, military spouses, Native Americans, and senior executives. In the past, FNS has offered flexible employment in the form of telecommuting positions. Prior vacancies have been available to candidates across the country, including locations such as North Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, and Washington, DC, to name a few.

The Farm Service Agency - FSA, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a merger between several USDA agencies with a history dating back to 1862. Based in Washington, DC, the Farm Service Agency is a federal government organization that provides agricultural community and farm conservation and regulation services. The agency's vision is to serve ranchers, farmers, and agricultural partners by delivering effective programs that benefit all Americans. A customer-driven organization, FSA strives for an environmentally and economically sound future for the country and its citizens.

Dedicated to supporting an evolving food and agriculture system, the Farm Service Agency offers a range of programs revolving around conservation, disaster assistance, energy programs, outreach programs, regulation, and farm loans. Working to provide the population with an abundant, safe, and affordable food source, FSA supports an evolving food and agriculture system. The Farm Service Agency's additional services include aerial photography, commodity operations, cooperative agreements, economic and policy analysis, environmental and cultural compliance, price support, payment eligibility, and the Modernize and Innovate the Delivery of Agricultural Systems (MIDAS) program, an initiative designed to secure, simplify, and automate the nation's farm programs.

As an employer, the Farm Service Agency values strong ethics, customer service, teamwork, inclusive decision-making, and fiscal responsibility. The agency maintains a Disability Employment Program, otherwise known as the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for college students with disabilities, which identifies qualified employees for temporary and permanent placement in various fields; and a Student Employment Program in connection with the USDA's Pathway Programs for recent graduates, internships, and fellowships. In the past, FSA jobs have featured flexible employment in the form of remote, telecommuting opportunities.

The Foreign Agricultural Service - FAS, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is responsible for linking U.S. agriculture with the world and enhancing global food security and export opportunities. The federal agency is also tasked with implementing a wide variety of programs, duties, and activities that promote the country's interests around the world as well as carry out the USDA's statutory responsibilities.

Programs and services managed by the Foreign Agricultural Service constitute four primary areas: Trade Policy, which expands and sustains access to foreign markets by eliminating trade barriers and enforcing U.S. rights within existing agreements; Market Development and Export Assistance, through which the agency partners with 75 cooperator groups that collectively represent cross-sections of the U.S. agricultural industry; Data and Analysis, encompassing a network of global contacts and partnerships with international agencies; and Food Security, leading the USDA's efforts to assist developing countries with improving their agricultural systems and expanding trade capacity.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Foreign Agricultural Service has additional staff located around the world, including nearly 100 FAS offices in 167 countries across the globe. As an employer, FAS offers permanent employment as well as non-career, excepted service roles (which typically entail five-year appointments) through its International Development program. In the past, the agency has offered flexible employment in the form of full-time, telecommuting positions—some of which may still require applicants to live in or around the nation's capital as indicated per post.

The Risk Management Agency - RMA is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and serves the country's agricultural producers. According to the USDA, more than 17% of the civilian workforce, which translates to over 23 million jobs, is related to American agriculture in some fashion. Thus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is considered the nation's largest employer, and RMA works to ensure that American farmers are equipped with the financial tools pertinent to successfully managing their agricultural risks.

As an employer, the Risk Management Agency employs roughly 500 team members in offices dispersed throughout the nation. The agency promotes an environment of high performance, respect, inclusion, and diversity. RMA believes that a vital way to guarantee that its agents can best serve the American public is to ensure that its team "reflects their makeup." Employee differences, values, and beliefs are embraced by the agency in an environment in which all employees are treated with trust and dignity. Moreover, the agency works hard to acclimate new team members and to foster their professional growth. In the past, Risk Management Agency jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting flexibility for candidates in specified regions, as indicated by prior postings.

Through effective risk-management tools and solutions, the Risk Management Agency provides world-class products, education, and outreach programs. RMA's vision is to secure the future of American agriculture by furnishing first-rate tools to rural Americans. To accomplish this, the agency manages an annual fiscal budget of approximately $75 million, as well as managing roughly $100 billion in insurance liability. Supplementing the Office of the Administrator, the Risk Management Agency is comprised of three areas: Insurance Services, Product Management, and Compliance.

Originally founded in 1905 as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Crop Reporting Board, the National Agricultural Statistics Service - NASS was officially established in 1961. Still operating under the umbrella of the USDA, NASS is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, which is responsible for determining and providing data about the American economy and its citizens, natural resources, and infrastructure. The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts annual reports on issues related to production, economics, demographics, the environment, and agriculture. Every five years, the National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts the Census of Agriculture.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the mission of NASS is to supply accurate, timely, and useful U.S. agricultural statistics. Agribusinesses, farmers, ranchers, livestock feeders, slaughterhouses, and individuals in related disciplines use the data provided by the National Agricultural Statistics Service's reports to keep production in compliance with demand. Moreover, NASS compiles and analyzes the latest data about U.S. agriculture and conducts over 400 surveys each year to assist those who rely on the agency make sound decisions related to farms and agricultural businesses and policies.

As an employer, the National Agricultural Statistics Service's team is comprised of specialists in agricultural surveys, math, information technology, finance, communications, human resources, and business administration. Almost 70% of its workforce consists of statisticians, while 11% are IT specialists. The agency furnishes opportunities for experienced and entry-level professionals alike, including positions for individuals with diverse backgrounds. In the past, National Agricultural Statistics Service has supported work flexibility by offering positions that feature telecommuting opportunities, seeking candidates eager to make a difference, work with motivated colleagues, and advance their education.

One of the many agencies that constitute the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - APHIS is responsible for protecting animal welfare, animal health, and plant health. Established in 1972, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is comprised of several units unified by a mission to safeguard the health and value of natural resources and American agriculture.

The nation's National Plant Protection Authority and head of U.S. Veterinary Services (VS) is the U.S. Chief of Veterinary Officer, who works in the agency's Office of Civil Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion to oversee its operational program units, which include the aforementioned offices and services as well as Animal Care (AC), Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS), International Services and Trade Support Teams (IS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), and Wildlife Services (WS). These operations are supported by management units, including Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS), Native American Working Group (ANAWG), and Policy and Program Development (PPD), as well as the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Each of these operational units is superintended by appointed Deputy Administrators.

Headquartered in Riverdale, Maryland, professionals who work for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service pledge to protect the nation's agriculture. As an employer, the agency values leadership, efficient management, sound public policy, and the best available science to achieve its mission. APHIS managers and supervisors participate in orientation and training programs to ensure that team members are equipped with the resources they need to achieve their career goals. In the past, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting opportunities. The agency also provides student programs, including USDA Pathways Programs and Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS).

Established in 1961, the Economic Research Service - ERS strives to improve individual and public decision-making on policy issues regarding rural development, agriculture, the environment, and food. The agency is the primary source of research and economic information for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Information obtained by the Economic Research Service is distributed through agency-published research reports, economic briefings, oral briefings, written staff analyses, and market analysis reports.

The Economic Research Service also produces an award-winning publication, Amber Waves magazine, and a website with abundant information and resources available for public consumption. Topics covered in these publications encompass 11 core areas: animal products, crops, farm practices and management, farm economy, food safety, food markets and prices, food choices and health, natural resources, international markets and trade, environment, and rural economies and populations. Many of its staff also publish their research in professional journals, such as the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Journal of Economic Perspectives, and Journal of Environmental Economics and Management.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, ERS offers 10 reasons why applicants should consider employment with this agency, including influence on policy, its collegial and supportive team, comfortable spaces in modern facilities, state-of-the-art software, the opportunity to publish high-quality research in esteemed academic journals, career-building opportunities, competitive salaries and benefits, and the chance to work in the nation's capital, among its many cultural and historical attractions. In the past, flexible employment with the Economic Research Service has featured full-time, telecommuting opportunities. As outlined per vacancy, some telework may still require remote team members to live in or in close proximity to the DC area.

An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture based in Washington, DC, the Agricultural Marketing Service - AMS creates marketing opportunities for U.S. food and agriculture producers. Established in 1939, the AMS mission is to support American farmers, ranchers, importers, exporters, and other professionals within the agricultural industry and to provide federal regulatory oversight for more than 20 research and promotional programs that comprise the Agricultural Marketing Service. The grants program of the Agricultural Marketing Service provides millions of dollars in grants each year to support economic development in small towns and rural communities spanning the nation.

Other available services offered by AMS include quality grading, auditing and accreditation, organic certification, local food research and development, import and export certification, lab testing and approval, market research and analysis, transportation research, plant variety protection, and a pesticide data program. For nearly a century, the Agricultural Marketing Service has also furnished free, unbiased price and sales information and market news in order to aid farmers, producers, and other agricultural organizations with vital information pertinent to making purchases and identifying trends, price patterns, market conditions, movement, and evaluating transportation equipment needs. News topics encompass data about cotton; dairy and milk products; fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops; livestock, poultry, meat, eggs, hay, and grain; organic food and products; tobacco; and local and regional foods.

As an employer, the Agricultural Marketing Service offers opportunities for employment on-site in its DC headquarters and in locations throughout the country, as well as work-from-home jobs. The AMS employee network consists of nearly 4,000 professionals and the agency has previously offered jobs that feature full-time, telecommuting opportunities. In 2016, the agency was named a "Best Place to Work," ranked eighth among 20 USDA agencies.

Independent of other divisions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Appeals Division - NAD reports directly to the Secretary of Agriculture within the Office of Hearings and Appeals. The agency's mission is to provide fair, impartial, and timely hearings to USDA program participants within select agencies. Established in 1994, the National Appeals Division was founded in order to aid participants in appealing adverse program decisions made by employees, committees, and officers of USDA offices. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, NAD has three regional offices—Eastern, Southern, and Western—based in Indianapolis, Indiana; Cordova, Tennessee; and Lakewood, Colorado; respectively.

The National Appeals Division - NAD involves program decisions related only to the following agencies: Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Risk Management Agency (RMA), and Rural Development (RD), including its three components—Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Rural Business Cooperative Service. USDA program participants that receive unfavorable decisions from the aforementioned agencies can file an appeal with NAD to dispute them. Filed requests can be e-filed, facsimiled, or mailed in via USPS, UPS, and FedEx. The types of e-filed appeals accepted include appealability, appeal, director review, reconsideration of director review, Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), and EAJA petitions for review.

As an employer, the National Appeals Division offers eligible employees abundant work benefits, such as a thrift savings plan, health insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs, and retirement services. Furthermore, team members enjoy scheduling and travel benefits, such as adjusting work schedules around religious observances, compressed workweeks, and alternative schedules. Prior flexible job opportunities offered by NAD have featured full-time, telecommuting opportunities.

The central administrative management agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Departmental Management - DM's main focus is to provide coordination and direction for USDA programs and services. Known as the "people's department," DM serves millions of Americans each day. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the agency provides customer service to all USDA employees. In its mission to support policy officials with comprehensive direction for the department's programs and services, Departmental Management strives to deliver excellent leadership, advice, counsel, and policies that live up to USDA standards.

As an employer, Departmental Management sustains a Diversity, Recruitment, and Work-Life Division designed to furnish efficient, cutting-edge programs and innovative business practices that keep the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the forefront of government agencies. DM also manages a Veterans Employment Program, established following President Obama's Executive Order in 2009. This program is designed to offer leadership and guidance within the USDA for veterans and prospective employees who have served in the military. Moreover, the agency is devoted to helping employees successfully balance professional and personal obligations, offering programs for telework, health and wellness, work-life balance, nursing mothers, and child care. In the past, Departmental Management jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting opportunities.

An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture based in Washington, DC, the Agricultural Marketing Service - AMS creates marketing opportunities for U.S. food and agriculture producers. Established in 1939, the AMS mission is to support American farmers, ranchers, importers, exporters, and other professionals within the agricultural industry and to provide federal regulatory oversight for more than 20 research and promotional programs that comprise the Agricultural Marketing Service. The grants program of the Agricultural Marketing Service provides millions of dollars in grants each year to support economic development in small towns and rural communities spanning the nation.

Other available services offered by AMS include quality grading, auditing and accreditation, organic certification, local food research and development, import and export certification, lab testing and approval, market research and analysis, transportation research, plant variety protection, and a pesticide data program. For nearly a century, the Agricultural Marketing Service has also furnished free, unbiased price and sales information and market news in order to aid farmers, producers, and other agricultural organizations with vital information pertinent to making purchases and identifying trends, price patterns, market conditions, movement, and evaluating transportation equipment needs. News topics encompass data about cotton; dairy and milk products; fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops; livestock, poultry, meat, eggs, hay, and grain; organic food and products; tobacco; and local and regional foods.

As an employer, the Agricultural Marketing Service offers opportunities for employment on-site in its DC headquarters and in locations throughout the country, as well as work-from-home jobs. The AMS employee network consists of nearly 4,000 professionals and the agency has previously offered jobs that feature full-time, telecommuting opportunities. In 2016, the agency was named a "Best Place to Work," ranked eighth among 20 USDA agencies.

A federal agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture - NIFA carries out a mission to assist in the provision of the long-term viability of American agriculture, and thus, safe and sustainable food for the nation. The agency is committed to leading national efforts in food conservation and revitalizing rural America. Following the creation of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, otherwise referred to as the 2008 Farm Bill, NIFA has taken considerable strides toward augmenting the benefits of food agriculture, human sciences, and natural resources.

Focused primarily on utilizing sound public policy, efficient management, and best-available science, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture ensures that breakthrough discoveries in agriculture-related science and technologies reach those who can apply them. Furthermore, NIFA works to advance the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture, strengthen the nation's economy, boost the safety of its food supply, better the nutrition and well-being of its citizens, sustain the environment and its natural resources, and build energy independence.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture has previously offered part-time work; temporary job opportunities; and full-time, telecommuting positions. As an employer, NIFA values work-life balance and is committed to civil rights and equal opportunities for employment. The agency regards professionalism as a vital asset to its success, seeking employees who share collegiality and mutual respect while working as a team to accomplish NIFA's mission. In addition to flexible schedules and telework options, employees are supported through the agency's Employee Engagement Committee, which works diligently to foster an inclusive company culture and, therefore, a happy workforce.

A branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture founded in 1962, the Office of the Inspector General - OIG is responsible for promoting the integrity and effectiveness of all USDA programs and operations. In adherence to the Inspector General Act passed by legislature in 1978, the Inspector General must work objectively and independently to investigate the USDA's operations and programs; work with USDA management to ensure that activities promote the economy and prevent fraud; and report all activities to the Secretary of Agriculture and Congress on a semi-annual basis. Based in Washington, DC, the OIG is present in every U.S. state and many countries throughout the world.

Supplementing these responsibilities, the Office of the Inspector General and its staff perform audits and investigations of the USDA's 300-some programs; suggest policies and actions that boost the economy and its overall efficiency; report criminal violations to the U.S. Department of Justice; run a Whistleblower Hotline; observe and remark on legislation and regulations; oversee external audits and work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to perform join investigations; and provide security for both the Deputy Secretary and Secretary of Agriculture.

As an employer, the Office of the Inspector General and its staff work as multidisciplinary teams across multiple disciplines and projects to improve overall business processes. The agency seeks professionals that exemplify service and a dedication to the public good and believes in working together to implement change and strengthen the USDA's operations. The Office of the Inspector General shares the USDA's commitment to equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities. In the past, OIG jobs have featured full-time, telecommuting positions.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer - OCFO is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a $128 billion government department recognized as the sixth-largest company in the nation with over 14,000 offices and 100,000 employees. Based in Washington, DC, the Office of the CFO exists to manage the USDA's financial activities and to ensure the integrity of the policies, management, stewardship, and program decisions enacted by Department officials. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer envisions itself as the leader of a fiscally sound nation supported by dependable financial management, "leveraging limited resources to deliver the greatest value per tax dollar."

Led by the Chief Financial Officer with assistance from the Deputy and Associate CFO's, the OCFO is responsible for managing the USDA's financial system to ensure timely, reliable, and accurate information; developing financial statements, accounting policies, and budgets; oversight of policy guidelines, internal control, management accountability, and authority over assets; supervision of the Departmental Working Capital Fund (WCF); and guidance of the Department travel system as well as management of its cash, credit, grants, and other financial functions.

As an employer, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer's guiding principles are financial management, accountability, integrity, excellence, customer focus, and a highly skilled workforce. The agency encourages calculated risks and innovation and seeks applicants who are knowledgeable, motivated, enthusiastic, and service-oriented. In the past, OCFO jobs have featured flexible schedules and telecommuting opportunities.

The Office of the Chief Economist - OCE is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the government department that determines the standards for natural resources, food, and food-related management and science issues. Located in the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses (OEPNU) in Washington, DC, the OCE is led by Chief Economist with support from the Deputy Chief Economist. The Office of the Chief Economist is responsible for recommending economic initiatives that address the state of the nation's rural areas and fiber and food systems.

Acting on the requests of members of Congress, administration officials, and the Secretary of Agriculture, the Chief Economist and members of the OCE conduct analyses of proposals for changes in legislation, policies, USDA programs, and their impact on USDA policy. Additionally, the agency manages the Agricultural Outlook Forum, an annual event that has taken place since 1923; the Joint Agricultural Weather Facility, responsible for producing the Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin, an international synopsis of weather developments related to crops; and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report, a monthly farm commodity forecast for traders, policymakers, and farmers in the United States.

As an employer, the Office of the Chief Economist supports flexible scheduling and has previously offered telecommuting positions. Employees work in approximately eight branches of the OCE, including Sustainable Development, Agricultural Labor Affairs, World Agricultural Outlook Board, Climate Change Program Office, and the Offices of the Chief Meteorologist, Environmental Markets, Energy Policy and New Uses, and Risk Assessment and Cost-Benefit Analysis.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Office of the Chief Information Officer - OCIO is the division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for managing all aspects of the production, delivery, and maintenance of the Department's information technologies. Led by the appointed Chief Information Officer, the OCIO supports the USDA in achieving its diverse missions by providing efficient, state-of-the-art technology solutions, as well as developing innovative strategies to recruit and train a highly skilled workforce.

The strategic goals of the Office of the CIO include aligning IT solutions with the Department's mission and priorities; enabling innovative business strategies by streamlining information technology; optimizing the use and value of information technology; protecting the Department's assets and capabilities; providing information to decision-makers and citizens; and developing a highly trained workforce to support the USDA's present and future missions. The Office of the Chief Information Officer works within multiple capabilities, such as applications services, data center services, end-user support, integration services, and security services.

As an employer, the Office of the Chief Information Officer shares the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dedication to hiring veterans and individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, other hiring paths within the OCIO and the USDA include positions open to the public, positions for current or former federal employees, military spouses, senior executives, family members of overseas employees, students and recent graduates, Native Americans, current or prospective members of the National Guard, and Peace Corps alumni. In the past, OCIO job opportunities have outlined full-time roles that feature telecommuting flexibility.

An independent legal agency, the Office of the General Counsel - OGC operates within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency offers legal services and advice to the Secretary of Agriculture and other agencies and officials that work for the USDA, with respect to programs and activities related to the Department. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Office of the General Counsel has various field offices dispersed throughout the country and regional offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Kansas City, Missouri; Denver, Colorado; and San Francisco, California.

Also responsible for counseling divisions and agencies within the USDA, the Office of the General Counsel's mission is to provide legal services and oversight required by the USDA in an effort to achieve its mission to deliver exceptional services to American citizens. Moreover, the OGC's vision is to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture's mission to help Americans thrive in rural areas; decrease hunger throughout the nation and abroad; encourage agricultural production; and preserve natural resources.

As an employer, the Office of the General Counsel is devoted to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce within an inclusive, innovative, transparent, knowledge-driven, collaborative, and technology-abled culture. Employees work across five branches of the Office: Civil Rights, Labor, and Employment Law; General Law and Research; International Affairs, Food Assistance, and Farm and Rural Programs; Marketing, Regulatory, and Food Safety Programs; and Natural Resources and Environment. In the past, OGC jobs have featured full-time and temporary opportunities for qualified candidates.

A division of the United States Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights - OASCR is responsible for ensuring compliance with equal rights policies for employees and customers of the USDA. The OASCR provides coordination, leadership, and direction for all of the USDA’s civil rights initiatives, including issues related to program compliance, delivery, and equal-opportunity employment.

Based in Washington, DC, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights’ mission is to enforce civil rights laws and ensure fair treatment of USDA customers and employees while delivering quality programs. In order to fulfill its mandate, the OASCR operates via many specialized divisions, individually responsible for data and record management, conflicts and complaints, early resolution and conciliation, adjudication, training and cultural transformation, and more. The department is superintended by the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, under which operates the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and the Associate Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

As an employer, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights seeks qualified U.S. citizens to join its team. Eligible employees receive the comprehensive benefits package offered to federal public servants, which includes healthcare, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and long-term care insurance. In the past, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights has posted full-time, telecommuting jobs. As indicated by prior posts, virtual positions may require frequent travel.

The Office of Communications - OC for the U.S. Department of Agriculture develops communication strategies that are integral to the acceptance and awareness of USDA policies and programs. The divisions within the Office of Communications include printing services, digital communications, information technology management, creative media and broadcast centers, photography services, brand, events and exhibits, and editorial review.

The mission of the Office of Communications is to advance the mission of the USDA through the development of successful communications strategies and to serve the public in a way that is transparent, accessible, and fair. OC's vision is to be proactive, innovative, creative, and collaborative in their service as communication strategists who communicate relevant information in a concise way across all types of media. The office values diversity, pride, trust, and ownership. Part of this strategy is the Constituent Affairs staff that works as a liaison to the public, communicating information about the USDA's mission. The Media Communications Coordination team is responsible for communications within the department and to the media. The team counsels decision-makers on best practices and coordinates responses to national news outlets.

As an employer, the USDA's Office of Communications shares its parent organization's dedication to opportunity through the agency's Pathways Programs, designed to provide chances for students and recent graduates to obtain work in various government fields, such as agriculture, math, business, science, and the environment. Pathways Programs include initiatives for interns, recent graduates, and a competitive fellows program. In the past, the Office of Communications has offered flexible work opportunities.

Current Flexible Jobs at U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA

Current job data is reserved for active FlexJobs members. Please log in or register now to access this specific information.
However, we have included some of their past telecommuting jobs, to provide you an idea of the types of jobs U.S. Department of Agriculture - USDA has hired for in the past (and which they may be likely to hire for again!).

Customer Service Representative

Full-Time Temporary Job Vernal, UT

This role requires visiting and responding to written and phone inquiries to provide information and resolve inconsistencies. Temporary assignment with a pay rate of $14.30 per hour. Travel is required.

May 04

Customer Service Representative

Temporary Job Truckee, CA

Temporary candidate will welcome visitors, answer phone calls, answer inquiries from various customers, and handle data entry & typing tasks as needed. Must have one year of related experience, or a bachelor's degree. Pays $16 per hour.

Biological Science Technician (Invasive Plants)

Full-Time Temporary Job Tiller, OR

Temporary role with a full-time schedule. Will be responsible for assisting with invasive plant treatment, management, monitoring, and inventory. Must have six months of nursery, landscaping, or laboratory experience.

Apr 27

Customer Service Representative

Temporary Job Smelterville, ID

Customer service representative needed for a temporary position paying $14.30/hour. Will greet and assist visitors, answer inquiries, coordinate materials, and perform various administrative tasks. One+ year similar experience required.

Nurse

Full-Time Temporary Job Chadron, NE

Be responsible for administering healthcare for injuries, illnesses, mental and dental health problems. Will make referrals to dentists, private physicians and community resources. Temporary assignment with a pay rate of $24.24 per hour.

Apr 27

Archeologist

Full-Time Temporary Job Forest, MS

Full-time temporary opportunity. Coordinate budgets, oversee project plans, and provide advice for cultural resources programs. Must have a bachelor's degree in archaeology or a similar area. Short-term position.

Apr 26

Customer Service Representative

Full-Time Temporary Job Greybull, WY

Customer Service Representative needed. Pays $12.74 hourly rate. This is a temporary and full-time role. Greet visitors. Assist in the arrangement of natural and informational materials. 6 months' general experience and some college req.

Resource Clerk

Temporary Job Bloomfield, NM

Seeking a resource clerk for a temporary position paying $16/hour. One+ year relevant experience and BA/BS or equivalent education and experience, and travel required. Will prepare documents, maintain permits and reports.

Apr 12

Nurse

Full-Time Temporary Job Puxico, MO

Full-time, short-term job. Needs one year specialized experience in GS-07 level, degree from a professional nursing program and is a licensed RN.Provides assessments, treats minor illnesses, make referrals to doctors and will provide follow up care.

Mar 23

Biological Science Technician (Invasive Plants)

Full-Time Temporary Job White Lake, WI

Full-time, temporary opportunity with some travel. $14.30 per hour. Will be responsible for assisting scientists with ecological management activities in forest ecosystems, accurately recording data according to protocols, and performing data entry.

Soil Scientist

Full-Time Temporary Job Cadillac, MI

Temporary role with a full-time schedule. Will be responsible for conducting soil surveys and creating reports. Must have a bachelor's degree in soil science or a similar area and at least one year of related experience.

Mar 14

Customer Service Representative

Full-Time Temporary Job Sitka, AK

Temporary opportunity with a full-time schedule. Will greet visitors, answer phones, and respond to inquiries. Must have one year of related experience and 2 years of study above high school. $15.87 per hour.

Mar 13

Supervisory Teacher

Full-Time Temporary Job Yachats, OR

Supervisory Teacher is needed for a full-time temporary opportunity. Candidate will plan, organize, and implement an academic program. Must continually analyze the effectiveness of the education program. Prior related experience required.

Mar 12

Recreation Technician

Full-Time Temporary Job Orofino, ID

Full-time, short-term job. Pays $19.82 an hour. Needs one year' experience as the GS-6 level and serve as a point of contact. Travel. Develop long range plans for managing recreation resources, identify potential problems, develop annual work plans.

Supervisory Teacher

Full-Time Temporary Job Moses Lake, WA

Full-time, temporary opportunity lasting 1 year. $29.33 per hour. Will be responsible for implementing an academic & counseling program that encompasses the organization's guidelines & objectives. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree.